Farm and You event held to educate youth
Choctaw Nation Health Services Going Lean Program held a Farm to You event on Nov. 5, 2013, with the OSU Extension Agency. Over 300 students from Whitesboro, Buffalo Valley and Talihina Public Schools attended the event. Forty volunteers lent their support as well.
According to the OSU Extension office, the Farm to You is a 40-foot by 40-foot enclosed walk-through exhibit and has ten stations. Small groups of approximately ten students begin the educational, interactive experience at Farmer Pete’s Garden where they learn about fruits and vegetables. The second station is called Farmer Pete’s Chicken Coop, here the students learn about raising chickens and the important role protein plays in our diets. The third station is Farmer Pete’s Dairy Farm where they learn about raising dairy cows and the nutrients that dairy foods provide. The fourth station is Pete’s Acres, where students learn about the different types of grains in our diets. The remaining six stations take students through the digestive system where they learn how the foods on the farm are important for our bodies. At each station, community or school volunteers use a written script to provide students with a message and activity related to the specific station. To better address the Oklahoma State Department of Education Priority Academic Students Skills (PASS), the mouth, bone and muscle stations have different scripts for Grades K – 3rd and 4th – 6th.
The Oklahoma Farm to You Nutrition Exhibit is designed to involve first through sixth grade students in learning the skills and choices for a healthy lifestyle. Children learn about the link between agriculture, nutrition, good hygiene practices, physical activity and health.
